Local clothing boutiques reported steady business Wednesday after reopening their doors, and they also revealed a handful of precautionary measures being taken to ensure a safe and positive shopping experience.
Bella Ragazza Boutique owner Natasha Stanley said her store made the decision to open up with regular hours Wednesday.
“I didn’t know how excited people would be to get out, but I figured, with more hours to shop, it wouldn’t get as congested inside the store,” Stanley said. “It’s been really good today. It’s been easier than I thought it would be. Everyone has been really respectful.”
Bella Ragazza’ seventh anniversary in business is this weekend, but Stanley said she will postpone holding a celebration.
Also back in business Wednesday was Embellish, though the store held an abbreviated opening from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Store owner Jennifer Tinius said they will stay open the rest of the week but will be closed on Memorial Day, with plans to revisit the store’s upcoming schedule after the holiday weekend.
“I honestly didn’t expect it to be busy, but today’s been very receptive, really busy,” Tinius said. “Customers are still able to try clothes on. We have hand sanitizer everywhere and contactless payment.”
Embellish also has personal protective equipment on hand for customers wishing to use it inside the store.
54 Boutique is operating with normal hours but will offer several different shopping options for customers.
“We’re taking appointments for customers who feel uncomfortable coming in, so we can give them a personal shopping experience,” owner Rhonda Carrico said. “We also offer curbside pickup. We can bring orders to customers without them having to get out of their car.”
Carrico said while the store encourages customers to only try on or touch things with the intention of buying the items, store associates are steaming each item of clothing after it’s been tried on to kill any bacteria, as well as sanitizing each item after it’s been touched.
Excursions reported a good opening day as well.
“We’ve been steady — it’s been great,” said store manager Karen Clark. “We are cleaning things as is necessary and will ship items to customers, or do private Facetime [shopping experiences] if they like. We are also offering curbside pickup.”
Peacocks & Pearls opened its newly renovated store and offered deals and specials for customers who came in.
Lil Bit Sassy, a children’s boutique located in downtown Owensboro, said on Facebook they are continuing to offer private shopping for customers and their online store is ready to accept orders too.
Other local clothing stores and retailers also opened Wednesday or have announced other plans. Click here for the list of who we know is open or planning to open.
In order to get the most up-to-date information and hours, be sure to call each store before stopping by.
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